Democracy Program, The Carter Center
Ramallah, West Bank – October-November 2026
The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. Pending security developments, the Center plans to conduct a pre-election assessment ahead of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections, anticipated for Nov. 28, 2026. The Center is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as a Security and Logistics Expert on the assessment team. Deployment is anticipated in October 2026, pending contracting and travel restrictions to the region. This contracted position is scheduled for an initial six-week period, which may be extended. Although an in-person assessment is highly preferred, if security and logistical considerations prevent the assessment team from deploying, stakeholder engagement and research may be conducted virtually.
The security and logistics analyst will coordinate with the Team Lead and Carter Center staff to conduct a pre-election assessment of the security and logistics considerations required to deploy a comprehensive election observation mission, including long- and short-term observers. Preferred applicants will have experience conducting election observation needs assessment missions, and/or developing security plans and overseeing logistics implementation for large-scale projects, particularly observation missions in complex security environments. Experience managing security and logistics support for large-scale development projects with a significant expatriate presence is required. Candidates with demonstrated experience working in Palestine, knowledge of UN security protocols and Arabic language proficiency will be given strong consideration. Ten years of experience in a relevant field is required.
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to and coordinate with other technical experts conducting a pre-election assessment in advance of the November PLC elections.
- Engage with local and international stakeholders to assess the pre-electoral environment in West Bank/Gaza as it relates to the PLC elections, including the anticipated logistical needs for a large-scale observer mission, highlighting the challenges and constraints to observer deployment, movement and access;
- Liaise with Palestinian Authority officials, the Central Elections Commission, the United Nations, relevant humanitarian and civil society organizations and other key stakeholders on security dynamics and challenges. Working in coordination with field office staff, facilitate relationships with local entities and hold stakeholder meetings.
- Contribute to the drafting process for a report on the assessment team’s findings, including overall security dynamics and developments, and key challenges to the electoral process that may impact a mission’s safety and project implementation.
- Draft final report sections concerning the security environment for observers and their logistical needs, coordinating with other technical experts as necessary to cover key aspects of the process.
- Offer recommendations for potential Carter Center engagement around the polls, evaluating potential deployment sites, lodging, and travel considerations, among other factors, for the core team and LTOs.
Qualifications:
Applicants should:
- Have a breadth of experience leading security and logistics support for large-scale projects in sensitive environments, preferably with knowledge of and/or experience working on election observation missions.
- Have demonstrated experience working within a team and producing comparable research projects or reports.
- Have demonstrated knowledge of the primary constraints related to working in Palestine and risk mitigation strategies.
- Have prior experience drafting security plans and developing related logistical frameworks to support project implementation; demonstrate strong analytical, writing, and communication skills; fluency in English is required; an ability to work in Arabic is preferred.
- Be able to travel to the West Bank for in-person assessment for approximately 3-4 weeks, starting in October, pending funding and security developments.
To be considered for this position, please provide your application details and upload a CV/resume and cover letter in support of your application to the following website: pal_Nov26 – Intellistack
Deadline for submissions: Sept 30 or until filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application documents as soon as possible; decisions will be made on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the large volume of applicants, only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center. Phone calls or in-person contacts are highly discouraged.
Note: This position is subject to funding and security developments in Palestine.